Annoying Someone via The Internet...

[TexasStooge]

...is now a federal crime. This only applies to individuals who threaten or harass others anonymously, so I guess you can't register on a message board under 20 or 30 different aliases just to harass people anymore.

C-Net Story: Create an e-annoyance, go to jail

[HurryKane]

I love it when our Congrasspeeps slide stupid things like that, that have no chance of passing on their own, into big bills. Love it. It's the American way!

[HurricaneBill]

Isn't it a direct violation of the First Amendment?

[CentralFlGal]

We can thank every Internet snert for this bill. Normal, well-adjusted people are affected by the actions of an anti-social minority.

We continually legislate against stupidity and everyone suffers. Welcome to the world in which we are all treated like kindergarten children.

Soma, anyone?

[george_r_1961]

That should put a stop to the trolls that have been attacking this and other message boards. Time is money, and people like Chad and Marshall have invested too much time in here to see everything destroyed by some cyber punk. Not only should they be jailed, their computers ought to be seized and in addition to whatever fine and jail term the court imposes they should be banned from using any device to access the internet for a long time.

[Derek Ortt]

Harrassment is not a right under the first amendment

[beachbum_al]

What is the definition of harassment over the internet? I can understand if it is threatening, etc but the normal stuff that goes on is ridiculous. Why don't the lawmakers try to get real bills passed.

[george_r_1961]

What is the definition of harassment over the internet? I can understand if it is threatening, etc but the normal stuff that goes on is ridiculous. Why don't the lawmakers try to get real bills passed.

Try to run a busy message board or a chat room and have to deal with idiots with too much time on their hands who get pleasure out of making others miserable. I agree that the law isnt real clear but anyone with normal intelligence gets the general idea.

[gtalum]

Isn't it a direct violation of the First Amendment?

Violating constitutional rights seems almost like a sport these days for this government.